Tenant refuses to hand over keys?

Hi, I recently had a tenant who refused to handover the keys after the check out unless I agreed, in writing, to return the entire deposit (held in a government approved scheme). He insisted on an email confirmation before handing over the keys.

There was damage to the property and appliances, other than normal wear and tear. The tenant stated that he needs the deposit immediately to secure a new place otherwise he will be homeless.

There was a further claim that this is the advice he was given by his local council! I was also told, very helpfully, by the tenant’s friend ( who claimed to be a seasoned landlord) that it will cost me more in time and money to get the flat back so I had better agree to their terms. The tenant had five of his friends attending the check out appointment.

The tenant also did not permit any viewings by potential tenants despite this being in clear breach of his agreement.

I have taken a view and dealt with the matter. It was a very unpleasant and stressful situation. Media talks about landlord being the bad guys and tenants being taken for a ride.

However, I would like to know if any other landlords have had a similar experience and how they dealt with this? Legally, is the tenant allowed to do this?

Thanks,

Chris